732nd Airlift Squadron
| 732nd Airlift Squadron | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1942–1945; 1947–1951; 1952–1966; 1970–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Role | Airlift |
| Part of | Air Force Reserve Command |
| Garrison/HQ | McGuire Air Force Base |
| Motto | Fly With the Ram |
| Engagements | European Theater of Operations |
| Decorations | Distinguished Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| Insignia | |
| 732nd Airlift Squadron emblem | |
| 332nd Bombardment Squadron emblem | |
| World War II fuselage code | XM |
The 732nd Airlift Squadron, officially the 732d Airlift Squadron, is a unit of the United States Air Force. It is part of the 514th Air Mobility Wing at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey. It operates McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster III aircraft in providing global strategic airlift to US and allied forces.
The squadron was activated in June 1942 as the 332nd Bombardment Squadron. After training in the United States, the squadron deployed to the European Theater of Operations in the spring of 1943. It participated in the strategic bombing campaign against Germany until V-E Day, earning two Distinguished Unit Citations for its actions. It returned to the United States in December 1945, and was inactivated at the Port of Embarkation.
The squadron was reactivated at Marietta Army Air Field, Georgia in the reserves in 1947, but was not fully manned or equipped until 1949, when it began to receive Douglas B-26 Invaders. It was inactivated on 20 March 1951 after being called to active duty for the Korean War, with its personnel used as "fillers" to bring other units up to strength.
From 1952 to 1955, the unit was designated the 332nd Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, and, after a brief return to light bomber operations, in 1957 became the 732nd Troop Carrier Squadron, when it absorbed the personnel and equipment of another unit at Grenier Air Force Base, New Hampshire. It was mobilized in 1962 for the Cuban Missile Crisis and provided airlift support for Operation Power Pack before inactivating in 1966.
In 1970, it was reactivated as the 732nd Military Airlift Squadron, operating with the regular Air Force 438th Military Airlift Wing. It has participated in Operation Just Cause and deployed elements Operation Desert Storm. It has flown strategic airlift missions and participated in humanitarian operations.